March 26, (THEWILL) – Prolific striker Romelu Lukaku is set to return for Belgium’s high-profile friendly against England at Wembley, on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old missed the disappointing 0-0 draw with Ireland last weekend due to a groin injury but is now back in full training, according to coach Domenico Tedesco.
“Lukaku is ready to start,” Tedesco told reporters. The Inter Milan forward’s 83 goals in 113 appearances make him Belgium’s record scorer by a distance, with the next highest being Eden Hazard on 33 goals. His experience and goal threat will be vital with Kevin De Bruyne sidelined through injury.
Tedesco, unbeaten in his 11 games since taking over from Roberto Martinez after the World Cup debacle, wants to see more creativity and bravery from his side.
“We want to create more opportunities than against Ireland. We need open, positive football,” he stated, adding: “England may be missing players but that makes them anything but weak. It’s an ideal test at the highest level.”
The addition of Lukaku gives Belgium’s attack more firepower and potency in the box, which was lacking against Ireland. Winger Jeremy Doku, who plays for Manchester City, believes the game is the perfect opportunity to gauge their progress ahead of Euro 2024. “Against this top country we can see how far we are currently. Then we can continue working towards the European Championship,” he said.
Belgium have won three of their last four meetings with England but have failed to taste victory on their last five visits to London.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
